Clad in white kurtas and formals, a large numbers of senior citizens in the city are on a mission to increase voter turnout in the upcoming MCD elections to be held on April 15. Astha Saxena reports.

Clad in white kurtas and formals, a large numbers of senior citizens in the city are on a mission to increase voter turnout in the upcoming MCD elections to be held on April 15.

Spreading awareness about the right to vote, they are trying to reach out to every resident, asking them to cast their vote and choose the right candidate.

“We are going from door to door, asking every resident in our area to vote. With this, we are hoping that the voter turnout will increase this year,” said JR Gupta, chairman of Confederation of Senior Citizens Association of Delhi, an umbrella body of 11 lakh senior citizens in the capital.

Claiming to be apolitical, these citizens are leaving no stone unturned in reaching to every part of the city.

“A number of people are surprised to see that we are going to each and every house on our own at this age. We hope that next year, they will also come with us and provide their support,” said Lakhi Ram Garg, 71, a resident of Munirka.

A number of Residents Welfare Associations (RWA) has already started campaigning to ensure a better voter turnout in the MCD elections.

Senior citizens are also hoping to get a similar response from the residents.

“Residents have assured us that they will definitely cast their votes. Even the children, who are not eligible to vote, are showing a keen interest to know more about the elections,” said Suraj Bhan Gupta, 71, a resident of Jia Sarai.

Delhites will vote for three corporations — north, east and south — on April 15. The counting will take place on April 17. This year, 50 per cent seats have been reserved for women councillors.